LSU safety JaCoby Stevens (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with safeties:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

James Wiggins, S, Cincinnati: After a breakout 2018 season where he recorded 54 tackles and four interceptions and just two days prior to last year’s opener, James Wiggins suffered a devastating season-ending knee injury. In Coach Fickell’s quarters-style defense, Wiggins’ advantageous speed and man-to-man cover ability were regularly on display in 2018 while typically playing over the slot to the field. With smooth pedal ability and short burst turning to run in zone, the Miami native can be utilized in a variety of defensive roles. Though his urgency could be more consistent coming up in run support, Wiggins put on tape good form tackling technique while breaking down prior to delivering pop and wrapping up ball carriers.

JaCoby Stevens, SS, LSU:
At 6-1 and 228 pounds, JaCoby Stevens is one of the most versatile defensive players in the country. For the national champion Tigers last season, the former wide receiver could be seen aligning at safety, outside linebacker, nickel, out wide at corner, defensive end and even defensive tackle for some creative plays. And despite being limited by a shoulder injury last season, Stevens was very productive while recording 85 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks and three interceptions. With linebacker size, fluid movement skills and burst to close quickly on the ball, the Tennessee native will be a 2.5-year starter for LSU with skill sets that easily translate to the NFL.

Divine Deablo, FS, Virginia Tech:
Standing at 6-2 and 223 pounds, it’s difficult to miss Divine Deablo. With rare size and length for a safety, the three-year starter is an impactful centerfielder for the Hokie defense, oftentimes found roaming deep in the secondary where his ranginess helps get him in position to make plays on the ball. With the wingspan and speed to match up with tight ends, the Winston-Salem, North Carolina native has been productive in the passing game while picking up nine career passes defensed, including two interceptions. One particularly impressive aspect of Deablo’s game is his desire to get to the football and – when he lines up the ball carrier right – he can deliver a knock-back blow.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: SAFETIES

Clemson linebacker James Skalski (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri).

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with linebackers:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

James Skalski, ILB, Clemson:
As a fifth-year graduate student, James Skalski’s teammates have begun referring to him as “sensei” due to his grasp of the Tigers’ defensive scheme. As the primary inside linebacker in 2019 who made Clemson’s defensive calls, the Sharpsburg, Georgia native displayed great command on the field aligning teammates pre-snap as well as quickly keying and diagnosing once the ball was hiked. Standing at 6-0 and 235 pounds, Skalski isn’t the biggest linebacker in the draft class but does play with one of the highest motors. Aiding the All-ACC Academic selection’s play speed in this zone-match defense are his instincts, which enable him to get a jump on where the ball is going.

Jermaine Johnson, OLB, Georgia:
In his first season with the Bulldogs, Jermaine Johnson showed promise as a developmental stand-up linebacker who can perform a variety of roles. The former Independence CC product and star of 2018’s “Last Chance U” aligned as an outside linebacker in base, rush end in nickel, and inside linebacker in dime, displaying the versatility that NFL teams covet. Blessed with prototypical outside linebacker size at 6-4 and 240 pounds, Johnson has good, straight-line speed for the position and is capable of dropping into low zones in pass coverage. If the Eden Prairie, Minnesota native adds to his pass rush toolbox in 2020, he’ll further expand his diverse skill set.

Garret Wallow, ILB, Texas Christian:
Garret Wallow is one of those non-flashy players who, when you look down at your note sheet at the end of the game, you’ve given credit for 20 tackles. The productive inside linebacker from New Orleans led the Big 12 in tackles in 2019 and it’s not surprising considering his instincts, smooth lateral movement skills, aggressive nature and effort. At 6-2 and 220 pounds, Wallow is a slightly undersized linebacker prospect who projects to remain inside at the next level while being a core special teams contributor. Linebackers with his smarts and leadership, however, are always in high demand.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: LINEBACKERS

West Virginia defensive lineman Darius Stills (AP Photo/Jerry Larson)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with defensive tackles:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Ralfs Rusins, NG, Liberty:
Traditionally, nose guards are the key cogs inside for stuffing the run, but Ralfs Rusins showed in game one versus Syracuse last year that he can also use his power to affect the quarterback in the passing game as well. Taking the center straight back into the quarterback’s lap for a sack, the Latvian native is a power player who utilizes his great size and length to be a factor in both phases of the game. With an impressive ability to hold the point of attack, lock-out blockers with extension, read and react to the play, and shed to tackle, it’s no wonder the former tight end finished the season fourth on the team with 60 tackles, including 6.5 for loss. 

Darel Middleton, DT, Tennessee:
Big Darel Middleton was creatively utilized in 2019 for the Vols, aligning at closed-side defensive end in their even front, at 4i in okie (3-man) fronts, and then kicking inside to tackle in nickel. At 6-6 and 311 pounds, the former East Mississippi CC Lion – who won the 2018 NJCAA national championship – adds a lot of beef to stuffing the run and was regularly able to use his strength to press off opposing blockers. With his advantageous size and great physicality, Middleton naturally projects inside to defensive tackle for the next level.

Darius Stills, NG, West Virginia:
As an undersized and active nose guard, Darius Stills is fun to watch. With good initial quickness to immediately stress interior blockers and the contact strength to not be deterred through the gap, Stills makes his living in the offensive backfield. In 2019, the West Virginia native led the Mountaineers with an impressive 14.5 tackles for loss and tied for the team lead with seven sacks, earning first-team All-Big 12 honors. With a motor that never fails and the speed to get home, keep an eye out for this year’s preseason Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE TACKLES

Auburn defensive lineman Big Kat Bryant (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with defensive ends:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Big Kat Bryant, DE, Auburn:
Big Kat Bryant got his opportunity to start in 2019 and the 6-4, 250 pounder displayed a wide array of roles he can play. Starting at defensive end primarily, the versatile chess piece also lined up at rush defensive tackle in nickel and as a stand-up outside linebacker. In each role, he rushed the quarterback, defended the run and even dropped back into zone showing smooth ability to flip his hips and maneuver in space. As a rusher, Bryant flashes good initial quickness to threaten offensive tackles off the snap as well as good push, turning speed to power. No doubt he would like better finish to the quarterback and to add to his five-sack total over the past two seasons.

Victor Dimukeje, DE, Duke: A rare four-year starter, Duke’s Victor Dimukeje is a fun player to watch due to his non-stop motor and his ability to get to the football. Not always the prettiest but one of the most effective rushers in this year’s class, Dimukeje led the Blue Devils while ranking third in the ACC with 8.5 sacks a season ago. Blessed with twitchy movements and explosiveness, the Baltimore product puts immediate stress on offensive tackles’ range and comes with a variety of pass rush moves. His impressive straight-line speed coupled with his effort enables him to cover a lot of ground when chasing out of the stack.

Dayo Odeyingbo, DE, Vanderbilt:
One of the larger defensive ends in this year’s class, Dayo Odeyingbo is another versatile player who aligns all across the defensive front. Standing at 6-5 and 275 pounds, Odeyingbo is a stout run defender at the point of attack, even being able to hold up versus double teams while playing inside. Arguably his best position may end up being at 3-tech in the NFL due to his size, ability to win off the snap, his heavy-hands engaging blockers and overall disruptive presence in the offensive backfield. With 45 tackles – including 12 for a loss – in 2019, the Carrollton Ranchview (Texas) product plays with a high motor in his pursuit of the football to boot.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: DEFENSIVE ENDS

Notre Dame offensive lineman Liam Eichenberg (AP Photo/Gerry Broome)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we kick things off with offensive tackles:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Stone Forsythe, OT, Florida:
The Florida Gators have a long line of massive offensive tackles playing in the NFL, and Stone Forsythe looks like he will continue the legacy. Standing at 6-6 and 329 pounds, the Winter Garden, Florida native enters his second season as the starting left tackle. With his size, Forsythe is able to effectively wall-off defenders in the run game while utilizing his length to ride edge rushers beyond the quarterback in the pass game.

Liam Eichenberg, OT, Notre Dame:
After watching former first-round pick Mike McGlinchey for two years, Liam Eichenberg enters his third season in 2020 as the Fighting Irish’s starting left tackle. Blessed with the size, length and foot quickness to be an effective blind-side protector, Eichenberg is no slouch in the run game either. With the ability to roll his hips while drive blocking, the former Saint Ignatius High School prep star demonstrates the ability to create movement in the run game, as well as the grit, physicality and toughness NFL teams seek.

Carson Green, OT, Texas A&M:
From another school with a history of producing NFL offensive linemen, Texas A&M has both starting tackles on this year’s Big Board, including right tackle Carson Green. The third-year starter out of illustrious Westlake Carroll High School in Texas is one of the more coordinated hand and foot athletes in that he can punch a rusher with his hands while simultaneously not missing a beat in his kick step. Another impressive aspect of Green’s game is his ability to refit his hands after initially placing them on a defender, enabling him to maintain sufficient contact while sustaining his block.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: OFFENSIVE TACKLE

Pittsburgh offensive lineman Jimmy Morrissey (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board is being rolled out by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with interior offensive linemen:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

Zion Johnson, OG, Boston College:
After beginning his collegiate career at Davidson and starting only the last seven games of 2019, left guard Zion Johnson showed that he belongs on our Big Board with his play. Standing at 6-3 and 300 pounds, the Bowie, Maryland product is on the slighter side of the guard spectrum but possesses the tools NFL coaches look for in left guards and centers. Johnson routinely displays on tape the ability to quickly get out of his stance, athleticism to execute a variety of move blocks, strength to latch and steer in the run game, anchor to halt a bull rush and the awareness to adjust to a moving picture. Equally impressive is his ability to keep clean by staying on his feet – the true mark of a good athlete.

Tristen Hoge, OG, BYU:
Tristen Hoge looks like a right guard. The two-time Idaho Gatorade Player of the Year award winner is blessed with prototypical guard size and length, and he brings a physical, nasty demeanor to the trenches every snap. One of the strengths of his game is his ability to utilize his length in pass pro to lock-down power rush moves. Gap-scheme NFL offenses best suit this mauler’s skill set but he’ll need to rebound from some inconsistencies after being limited to just five games in 2019.

Jimmy Morrissey, C, Pittsburgh:
Players like Pitt’s Jimmy Morrissey don’t come around often – a four-year starter who’s smart, athletic, physical and with good size. The former walk-on can be seen regularly making the line calls pre-snap, consistently delivering an accurate snap to the quarterback, picking up his man in the scheme and finishing his block through the whistle. After his headiness, Morrissey’s athleticism really shines on tape and that’s why he’s able to execute reach blocks and second level- blocks so efficiently while getting out on screens and even being able to pull to the perimeter on tosses.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: INTERIOR OFFENSIVE LINEMEN

SMU tight end Kylen Granson (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with tight ends:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Miller Forristall, TE, Alabama:
Miller Forristall has a well-rounded skill set while having experience in the Crimson Tide’s “pro style” offense. The second-year starter is a very heady player who has done just about everything an offensive coordinator can ask: align all across the formation, block 6-techniques head-up, and stay in on 7-man protections to pass block, run routes and be a reliable pass catcher. Not the biggest, not the fastest, just effective at everything he does. One aspect of Forristall’s game that is particularly impressive and that does not show up on the stat sheet is his ability to adjust on the fly to pick up “color” in order to ensure the dangerous Alabama running backs have clear lanes to run through.

Kylen Granson, TE, SMU:
One of the most intriguing chess pieces in this year’s draft class is Kylen Granson of SMU who set a team tight end record last season with an impressive nine receiving touchdowns. A regional track qualifier at Austin, Texas’s renowned Westlake High School, SMU staff have timed the former Rice wide receiver in the 4.4s. Though not a prototypical “Y” type tight end at a shade under 6-3 and weighing 235 pounds, Granson battles inline blocking while not being afraid to stick his nose in the fire. The athletic mismatch poses issues for opposing defensive coordinators due to linebackers struggling with his speed and route running ability and safeties surrendering size.

Tony Poljan, TE, Virginia:
Standing at 6-7 and 265 pounds, new Cavalier tight end Tony Poljan has the distinction as being the biggest tight end prospect on this year’s preseason Big Board. A second-team All-MAC performer a season ago for the Chippewas, Poljan was a tri-sport athlete in high school who was named to Mr. Basketball Watch List prior to his senior season and opened his collegiate career at Central Michigan as a quarterback. With his long arms and frame, the Lansing, Michigan native is able to effectively cover-up defenders in the run game and box them out in the pass game, much like a center in basketball. True to his athletic background, Poljan possesses impressive ability to adjust to the flight of the ball as a receiver and owns soft hands to consistently snatch the ball away from his frame.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: TIGHT ENDS

Mississippi State wide receiver Osirus Mitchell (AP Photo/Rogelio V. Solis)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with wide receivers:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Dez Fitzpatrick, WR, Louisville:
Dez Fitzpatrick does a lot of things very well. The two-plus-year starter entering 2020 hasn’t put up gaudy receiving stats in his college career, but he’s been very productive for the Cardinals as a pass catcher, blocker, decoy and unselfish teammate. At 6-2 and over 200 pounds, the Waterford Mott High School product – who scored a remarkable 23 receiving touchdowns his senior season – has prototypical X-receiver size, good toughness to catch underneath in traffic, solid speed to stretch the defense on vertical routes, and natural hands to catch the ball away from his body. NFL coaches will particularly appreciate his physicality as a blocker in both the run and the pass game, and his awareness to break off his route to get back in the quarterback’s vision in scramble situations.

Osirus Mitchell, WR, Mississippi State:
One of the most physically imposing wide receivers in this year’s class at a shade over 6-4 and 210 pounds, Osirus Mitchell is a big man who can stretch the field vertically. The Sarasota, Florida native led the Bulldogs in 2019 with six touchdown catches, and each of them were for greater than 20 yards. A smooth athlete with very good body control for his size and the ability to elevate up for the ball, Mitchell can run a variety of routes while being a threat on all three levels of the field. When he’s not the quarterback’s target, he has no qualms throwing his body around as a blocker while using his length to shield defenders.

Marquez Stevenson, WR, Houston:
Marquez Stevenson is fast. Just how fast? Last year, Recruiting Analytics – a sports tech company that uses player tracking software – allegedly clocked him running at 21.9 mph! What’s equally as impressive watching him play football is how quickly he gets to full speed. Capable of playing in the slot or out wide, his ability to stick his foot in the ground and burst away from defenders underneath is elite, and he possesses a second gear downfield to separate and run under the football. Combined with soft hands that enable him to consistently catch the ball away from his body and elusiveness running to evade would-be tacklers, Stevenson is a legit NFL prospect who figures to hear his name called early in the Draft.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: WIDE RECEIVERS

North Carolina’s Michael Carter (AP Photo/Ben McKeown)

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we continue with running backs and fullbacks:

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

THREE TO WATCH

Michael Carter, RB, North Carolina
Few running backs will be as “pro ready” for the NFL as UNC’s Michael Carter. A 1,000-yard rusher a season ago, the 5-9 and 195-pound back is an excellent athlete with superb vision, quick feet, a low center of gravity and deceptive strength to finish runs physically. His best trait, arguably, is his versatility to contribute as a rusher, receiver, kick returner and pass blocker. All of these things individually require mastery by a player in order to succeed at the highest level, and Carter demonstrates them on the field consistently.

Josh Johnson, RB, Louisiana-Monroe
In his first full season as a starter in 2019, Josh Johnson asserted himself as a bona fide first- and second-down rusher while eclipsing the 100-yard mark in seven games en route to 1,298 yards on the ground for the season. A thickly built, downhill runner with good vision to see the hole and the speed to get through it, the former JUCO transfer from Coahoma CC is most effective squaring his shoulders and running between the tackles. Standing at 5-9 and weighing 215 pounds is an advantage for this Warhawk RB, as he has the ability to sneak through small spaces and win the leverage battle when meeting a linebacker in the hole. Though a capable pass catcher and willing blocker, Johnson will have the 2020 season to fine tune his pass pro technique and demonstrate to NFL teams that he can be an every-down contributor.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, Oklahoma
Rhamondre Stevenson is a big back even by NFL standards. Listed at 6-0 and 230 pounds, it’s rare to see RBs his size with his speed and explosiveness. As a JUCO starter at Cerritos College in 2018, the Las Vegas native rushed for over 2,100 yards in only 11 games. Last year at OU, he split time in the backfield but made an impact whether he touched the ball or not. In Coach Lincoln Riley’s offense, Stevenson was asked to block when not carrying the ball, and numerous defenders felt the brunt of his power upon impact. When he did tote the rock, his instant speed allowed him to gash defenses to the tune of a team-leading 8.0 yards per carry. Aiding his average is his determination to squeak out every yard by squaring his shoulders and running behind his pads.

2021 NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: RUNNING BACKS/FULLBACKS

Believe it or not, the 2020 college football season is almost here, which means it’s time to roll out our annual NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board!

Continuing in our game’s 10-year tradition as the country’s most diverse all-star football showcase, we have compiled a list of 268 draft-eligible prospects from across the nation who are on our radar. 

*NOTE: We at the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl are disappointed for those players whose senior seasons have been disrupted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In respect for those who may still play in 2021, we have altered our preseason Big Board to reflect only those seniors whose schools are actively preparing to play a fall season.

The 2021 NFLPA Collegiate Bowl Big Board will be rolled out during the next week by position, featuring players to watch. Today, we kick things off with quarterbacks:

THREE TO WATCH

Zerrick Cooper, QB, Jacksonville State:
We had fun watching Jacksonville State film last year and having WR Josh Pearson participate in the Collegiate Bowl. His quarterback the past two seasons – Zerrick Cooper – now gets his opportunity to solidify his NFL prospects as a rare 3-year starter. Standing at 6’3 and 225 pounds, the former Clemson Tiger is a physically imposing player who’s unafraid to stand in the pocket while scanning the defense. Blessed with a strong arm and the ability to throw with touch and accuracy, Cooper put together back-to-back 3,400+ passing-yard seasons while throwing a combined 50 TDs and rushing for another 12.

D’Eriq King, QB, Miami (FL):
There is not a more dynamic playmaker at quarterback this year than D’Eriq King. After splitting time at both QB and wide receiver in 2016-17, the Manvel, Texas native took the country by storm in 2018 while accounting for 50 total touchdowns and leading the NCAA in scoring prior to suffering an injury. At a shade under 5’10”, King is a non-traditional QB prospect who makes plays with his arm and legs. After taking a redshirt last year at Houston following the fourth game of the season, King will be playing in his third offensive system in as many years this fall with the Hurricanes.

Zach Smith, QB, Tulsa:
For the first time since 2016, Tulsa returns its starting signal caller from the previous year, Zach Smith. After beginning his collegiate career at Baylor, Smith earned the starting nod in training camp last year for the Golden Hurricane and took advantage of the opportunity to the tune of over 3,200 yards passing and 19 TD passes. As the season wore on, the more traditional pocket passer completed north of 70% of his throws in two of the final three games. Though not the dual-threat as some of his contemporaries, Smith is a rhythm and timing passer who does an excellent job scanning the field and working his feet in concert with his upper body.

NFLPA COLLEGIATE BOWL BIG BOARD: QUARTERBACKS